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Whats on in Sydney and Melbourne at MiSociety Beach safety - Manly Council's free public presentation ‘Science of the Surf’ - Whats on in Sydney and Melbourne at MiSociety
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Australians’ love affair with the beach can turn deadly in just moments

Too often, Australians’ love affair with the surf and the beach can turn quickly to tragedy. In the summer months, for example, somebody in Australia drowns in an ocean rip every 2-3 days.

To help keep people safe on its beaches this summer, Manly Council is hosting an informative and entertaining free public presentation titled ‘Science of the Surf’.

Leading the presentation will be Dr Rob Brander (or ‘Dr Rip’ as he is also known), senior lecturer and surf scientist at the University of New South Wales, and an international expert on rip currents and beaches who is also a surf lifesaver.

Manly is one of the most popular recreational destinations in Australia , millions of visitors drawn there every year by its spectacular, two kilometre long surf-beach.

· Do you know how to spot rip currents and how to get yourself out of one?

· Do you know how waves form and break?

· What is a safe wave and what is an unsafe wave?

· Why are some beaches safer than others? How will your beach be affected by climate change?

· Why is rock fishing the most dangerous sport in Australia ?

Knowing the answers to questions like these could save your life.

“Keep safe in the surf this summer and understand your favourite beach better,” said Mayor of Manly, Councillor Jean Hay.

“Learn how to better ‘read’ the conditions of the beach and surf by attending Dr Brander’s presentation.”

“Dr Brander’s ‘Science of the Surf’ provides a visually powerful explanation of coastal processes with an emphasis on beaches and the surf.”

“Participants learn the basic principles and hazards associated with beaches and surf zones – both in Australia and also overseas.”

“They also develop an understanding of how coastal zones work and the best ways to ensure they have a safe visit to the beach.”

“This is essential knowledge for anyone who uses the beach: swimmers, bodysurfers, surfers and parents or others who supervise children at the beach.”

Since 2001, the award-winning presentation ‘Science of the Surf’ has been delivered to over 3000 people; and since 2006 it has been presented in over 100 schools to 10,000 school students.

Topics covered include;

- beach safety and hazards

- coastal evolution (how our beaches evolved)

- impact of climate change on our beaches (sea level rise/storms)

- wave formation, types, breaking

- rock platforms

- rip current explanation, spotting, types, response, and

- beach types and behaviour

“Rips result in more deaths every year in Australia than bushfires, floods, cyclones, tsunami and sharks combined,” said Councillor Hay.

“Most Australians do not know what a rip is and can’t spot one. Understanding beaches and surf is crucial for all Australians and visitors to our beaches.”

‘Science of the Surf’ is open to anyone and totally free. Light refreshments will be provided.

The presentation is more suitable to adults and children aged ten and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult. One night only.

Manly Community Centre

12 Wentworth Street

Manly NSW 2095

6.00pm to 7:30pm, Thursday 21 January 2010
Australians’ love affair with the beach can turn deadly in just moments
Too often, Australians’ love affair with the surf and the beach can turn quickly to tragedy. In the summer months, for example, somebody in Australia drowns in an ocean rip every 2-3 days.To help keep people safe on its beaches this summer, Manly Council is hosting an informative and entertaining free public presentation titled ‘Science of the Surf’ from 6.00pm to 7:30pm, Thursday 21 January 2010.Leading the presentation will be Dr Rob Brander (or ‘Dr Rip’ as he is also known), senior lecturer and surf scientist at the University of New South Wales, and an international expert on rip currents and beaches who is also a surf lifesaver.Manly is one of the most popular recreational destinations in Australia , millions of visitors drawn there every year by its spectacular, two kilometre long surf-beach.· Do you know how to spot rip currents and how to get yourself out of one?· Do you know how waves form and break?· What is a safe wave and what is an unsafe wave?· Why are some beaches safer than others? How will your beach be affected by climate change?· Why is rock fishing the most dangerous sport in Australia ? Knowing the answers to questions like these could save your life.“Keep safe in the surf this summer and understand your favourite beach better,” said Mayor of Manly, Councillor Jean Hay.“Learn how to better ‘read’ the conditions of the beach and surf by attending Dr Brander’s presentation.”“Dr Brander’s ‘Science of the Surf’ provides a visually powerful explanation of coastal processes with an emphasis on beaches and the surf.”“Participants learn the basic principles and hazards associated with beaches and surf zones – both in Australia and also overseas.”“They also develop an understanding of how coastal zones work and the best ways to ensure they have a safe visit to the beach.”“This is essential knowledge for anyone who uses the beach: swimmers, bodysurfers, surfers and parents or others who supervise children at the beach.”Since 2001, the award-winning presentation ‘Science of the Surf’ has been delivered to over 3000 people; and since 2006 it has been presented in over 100 schools to 10,000 school students.Topics covered include;- beach safety and hazards- coastal evolution (how our beaches evolved)- impact of climate change on our beaches (sea level rise/storms)- wave formation, types, breaking- rock platforms- rip current explanation, spotting, types, response, and- beach types and behaviour “Rips result in more deaths every year in Australia than bushfires, floods, cyclones, tsunami and sharks combined,” said Councillor Hay.“Most Australians do not know what a rip is and can’t spot one. Understanding beaches and surf is crucial for all Australians and visitors to our beaches.”‘Science of the Surf’ is open to anyone and totally free. Light refreshments will be provided.The presentation is more suitable to adults and children aged ten and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult. One night only.
Manly Community Centre12 Wentworth StreetManly NSW 2095